From Event: SPIE Quantum West, 2023
It is acknowledged that the sensitivity and accuracy achievable by atom-interferometric quantum sensors will have significantly impact many research areas. While the sensitivity of an atomic sensor scales quadratically to the interrogation time, making spaceborne quantum sensors particularly interesting, the measurement noise is limited by the quantum projection noise. The state of the art ultracold atom source for microgravity features 1E6 Rb atoms via Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC).
In this talk, we will present a feasibility study towards 1E8 Cs atoms below 1 nK for space applications. While Cs BEC is very challenging to generate, the choice of Cs versus Rb will be briefly discussed, in the scenario of quantum gravity gradiometer for mass change studies of Earth. Instead of BEC, direct laser cooling techniques are identified as an alternative and viable approach for high flux cold atom source. We will review laser cooling techniques and the identified path forward.
© (2023) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sheng-wey Chiow and Nan Yu, "Ultra-high flux atom source for precision atom interferometric sensing," Proc. SPIE PC12447, Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Precision Metrology, PC124471W (Presented at SPIE Quantum West: January 31, 2023; Published: 9 March 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2657323.6321508463112.